Meet GFF Talent Kira Balla, a fashion student at Norwich University of the Arts. Kira’s final project is an exploration of something she has been fascinated by from a young age — crystals. Her womenswear collection uses crystals as a natural embellishment . She has been developing crystallising materials and learning about the parallels between these natural formations and people along the way. Read more about her work below.
What is the most valuable thing you have learnt at university?
The most valuable thing(s) I have learnt -apart from all the technical and design skills that I have gained- has to be resilience and having confidence in my work. Resilience because there could be a pandemic happening, but that should not stop you from achieving your goals; and to have confidence in my work, because if I do not believe in it, no one else will.
My experience at University had been a challenge, especially as a fashion student but I loved every part of it. I never would have imagined in a million years that I would ever have the opportunity to do what I have been doing the past three years. From working with metal, to textiles and surface design I have learnt to take every opportunity I possibly can.
What was the starting point of inspiration for your final project?
One of the dearest memories I have when I was little is going to museums with my family, where I have bought my first piece of crystal. This then became something that we would always chat about with my late grandparents. Since then, I have had a fascination with crystals, of which I wanted to create a graduate collection. This is where I have decided to grow my own crystals to embellish the clothes I make, to both create art and fashion. The idea behind the collection is to use crystals as a natural embellishment on clothing, as you would bead and embroider the material, except that this is grown on!
What form does you work take?
I will be making clothes for womenswear. The outfits will include some structured, architectural pieces along with some accessories of similar aesthetics. I have been working on developing prints and surface designs using the crystallisation process I have been using for my work.
What materials have you used and how did you source them?
I have been experimenting with all sorts of different materials throughout this project, from knitting to welding steel, to crystallising fabrics. So far I have been using fabrics from my cupboard of fabrics I have purchased for other projects but have never used. I am also looking into more sustainable and dead-stock, as more conscious options.
How has it evolved from your initial ideas and what have you learnt along the way?
The work has evolved massively and is still evolving every day, some days more than others. One of the things I learnt was to take initiative and do whatever I feel would bring the project forward, for example going from knitting one day to welding the other! This project is really teaching me what I love about fashion, that it is art and it can be anything.
What are the messages and themes behind your project that you want people to take away? Do explore any topics like diversity, sustainability or politics in your work?
Something I have found while researching crystals is that they are all so unique in their own ways depending on some of the factors that may varies while they are formed. This is true for people, too. Another thing I have noticed was that they come in all different colours and shapes, some are more fluid, others are structured. And no matter what they look like, people are fascinated by them and have been for thousands of years! I want women to feel empowered, strong, beautiful and sexy in my garments!
What’s an aspect of the fashion industry that you’re passionate about fixing or having a positive impact on?
I want to be part of the industry that is not exploiting or polluting. My aim is to one day own a fashion brand that uses sustainable fabrics and produce great quality garments. I am passionate about making a healthy environment in all aspects of fashion, from workers to where clothing ends up. If we can just prolong the life of a garment by a couple more years, that would reduce so much waste!
What is your plan once you finish your BA?
I plan to study further, maybe branch out and learn different skills, such as accessories design or continue designing wearable art. I am also looking at internships and potential jobs to start in the near future, to be able to learn more about the industry and get some real hands-on experience. Since crystal growing had been a huge part of my graduate work, I hope to develop it further in the future, after graduation!